October events set at Cape Henlopen State Park, starting with Oct. 1 hike

Cape Henlopen State Park has announced its October schedule of programs and events.

Hike the Point is set at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1. The shorebirds have left, so it is time to explore the natural and cultural history of this ever-changing spit of land. Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. This two-mile hike is appropriate for ages 7 and up with an adult. The hike is free. To preregister, call 302-645-6852. 

Bird Walks are set at 8 a.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18. Attendees will explore Cape Henlopen's birding hot spots with a staff naturalist during the fall migration. Participants may bring their own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park; wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Beginner birders are welcome. There is no cost to attend.

Driving on the Beach is set at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8. Park rangers and veteran surf fishermen will teach attendees the park rules and guidelines for driving on state park beaches. Plus, they will give some tips and tricks for a successful, stuck-free day of surf fishing. Limit 20. Cost is $5 per person. To preregister, call 302-645-6852. 

Squid Dissection is set at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8. Participants will explore the ins and outs of these mysterious animals through a hands-on dissection. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 20 people. Cost is $5 per person. To preregister, call 302-645-6852.

Salt Marsh Exploration Hike is set for 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9. Participants on this 1.5-mile hike will explore the park with a naturalist and discover the different types of wetlands. They will explore how marshes function and the benefits they provide for humans and wildlife. Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Limit 20. Cost is $2 per person. To preregister, call 302-645-6852.

Guppy Club: Beautiful Butterflies is set at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13. Attendees will explore some of the park's most wondrous creatures by learning about butterflies and moths. Limit 12 children. Cost is $3 per child. To preregister, call 302-645-6852. 

Starry Night Star Gazing is set at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14. Attendees will explore the night skies in search of constellations and hear the stories of how they came to be. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Dress warmly. Limit 20. Cost is $2 per person. To preregister, call 302-645-6852.

Tracks on Trees is set for 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15. Attendees will learn how to identify tracks from animals found in the park and create their own animal track T-shirt. After creating the shirts, they will head outside and go on a track hunt. Stencils, paint, and markers for local critter tracks will be provided. Each participant must bring a plain white T-shirt. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 16. Cost is $5 per person. To preregister, call 302-645-6852. 

The 28th Children's Fantasy Trail is set for 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Attendees wear Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with favorite storybook characters along the trail lined with jack-o-lanterns. Entertainment under the tent each evening will include singing, juggling, magic and more. Cost is $5 per person, adults and children.